8-Day Croatia Road Trip Itinerary | Scenic Routes, Hidden Gems & Veg Food
Welcome to our lovingly chaotic Croatia travel guide — told from the front seat of a Dacia Duster, through cobbled alleys, waterfalls and missed turns
🗺️ Overview
- Trip Duration: 17–25 June 2025
- Route: Rijeka → Zadar → Plitvice → Šibenik → Split → Hvar → Dubrovnik
- Travel Style: Self-drive, Airbnb stays, vegetarian food focus
- Who: Me & my wife — one vlogging, one driving, both learning a lot about love and logistics
🧳 Practical Travel Tips for Croatia
🚗 Road Trip Essentials
- Coastal roads are stunning, but they’re slower than toll highways. If you’re not in a rush, always pick the scenic route — it’s part of the experience.
- Fuel up early, especially in smaller towns. Gas stations are sparse in some coastal or mountainous areas.
- Don’t worry if your rental is a manual. Croatian roads are smooth, signage is clear, and driving is comfortable if you’re a confident driver.
- Use Google Maps or Reddit to find free parking spots near Old Towns. Dubrovnik especially has hidden gems.
🏡 Accommodation & Parking
- Booking Airbnbs with parking makes life a lot easier. Confirm the space is legal and marked.
- Many Old Towns are pedestrian-only, so plan your parking in advance if visiting for a few hours.
- If you’re okay walking 10–15 minutes, you’ll find free parking just outside tourist cores.
🥗 Vegetarian-Friendly Food
- Croatia isn’t traditionally veg-heavy, but most restaurants offer pizzas, pastas, truffle gnocchi, risottos, and grilled veggie platters.
- Look for “Soparnik” — a traditional Dalmatian chard pie that’s 100% vegetarian and delicious.
- Best veg spots we loved:
- Urban & Veggie (Dubrovnik) 🌱
- Sanctuary (Split)
- The Botanist (Zadar)
🧭 Sightseeing Advice
- Book Plitvice tickets in advance (Entrance 1, Route C was perfect).
- Try to catch at least one walking tour (Split or Dubrovnik) — it adds depth to what you’re seeing.
- Don’t underestimate mid-sized towns like Šibenik — less crowded, more local, full of surprises.
📦 What to Pack
- Water shoes for rocky beaches and lake swims.
- A light jacket — even in summer, the breeze by the coast can get cool in the evenings.
- Reusable water bottle — tap water is drinkable everywhere.
- Snacks for long drives or early hikes (supermarkets close early on Sundays).
💡 Bonus Tips
- Cherries and honey from roadside vendors = excellent souvenirs.
- The sunsets are not to be missed. Plan one golden hour drive or hilltop picnic.
- Learn a few basic Croatian words like:
- Hvala (Thank you)
- Dobar dan (Good day)
- Račun, molim (Bill, please)
📍 Day-by-Day Itinerary
🚀 Day 1 – Tallinn → Stockholm → Arlanda
Our trip began with excitement and mild chaos. Security at the airport confiscated the lovingly packed chhole — a painful start. After a misadventure with Stockholm's transport system (including missing a stop and nearly getting stuck inside an airport station), we eventually reached our hotel near Märsta. Despite the hiccups, we managed to spend the evening walking around Stockholm and soaking in the first breaths of travel freedom.
🚗 Day 2 – Touchdown in Rijeka & Coastal Road Trip to Zadar
We landed at Rijeka airport early in the morning — a tiny, no-frills terminal with limited staff and a surprising amount of chaos. Despite having pre-booked our rental, we found ourselves in a slow-moving queue for nearly 45 minutes. But what followed turned out to be one of the most unexpected (and fun) plot twists of our road trip.
At the counter, the rental guy said I was getting a “Dacha Duster.” I blinked. “I booked a Polo,” I replied, slightly annoyed and confused. We had a small back-and-forth until he clarified that it was actually a Dacia Duster, and it was an upgrade. The hilarious part? While waiting in line earlier, I had stepped outside, seen a Duster parked in the lot, and said to myself, “Damn, what a nice car — I wish I could get that one.” Manifestation level: unlocked.
Once I got behind the wheel, nerves kicked in. I hadn’t driven in Europe for a while, and the feel of a new car in a foreign country added to the tension. It took around 10–20 km to shake off the rust and get used to the Duster’s layout and features, but once I did, the road was mine. The coastal drive opened up almost immediately after leaving the airport, and within minutes, we were surrounded by sweeping sea views and mountain curves. I couldn’t help but pull over, jump out of the car, and take it all in. Photos were clicked — a lot of them — of the sea, the sky, and of course, our shiny new ride.
We made our way down to Zadar, stopping briefly at a Lidl for groceries. Our Airbnb was located outside the city, in a peaceful residential suburb with wide homes, white walls, red-tiled roofs, and narrow streets — picturesque and almost too perfect. After settling in and getting a bit of rest, we drove to Zadar Old Town just in time for golden hour.
The contrast with Tallinn was immediate — the town was alive with warmth, both in temperature and in spirit. The promenade buzzed with people, laughter, and music. We walked past street vendors and monuments, eventually landing at The Botanist for dinner. The vibe was excellent — cozy lights, friendly staff, and a charming ambiance. I enjoyed the meal, though Dipsi wasn’t too thrilled with her burger — not juicy enough for her taste. Still, it felt like the perfect way to wrap up our first full day on the Croatian coast.
🌿 Day 3 – Plitvice Lakes National Park: Waterfalls, Fishes & Letting Go
We woke up early and surprisingly on schedule — a rare and satisfying win on any road trip. I had mentally planned for a 1.5-hour drive to Plitvice, but a quick check of the map after we were ready revealed it would take closer to 2 hours. So we rushed. Not frantically, but just enough to keep the morning crisp and energetic. Thankfully, we had slept well the previous night, and adrenaline was already doing its thing.
The drive to Plitvice was steady and smooth. As we reached the national park and parked near Entrance 1, excitement kicked in. Within 20 minutes of arriving, we were walking toward the heart of one of Croatia’s most famous landmarks.
Our first real glimpse of the Big Waterfall (Veliki Slap) was unforgettable. It wasn’t just the size of it — though yes, it’s massive — but the feeling of scale. The sound of water roaring into the canyon, mist in the air, and sunlight refracting off the falls gave it a kind of cinematic grandeur. What fascinated me most was watching people walking above the waterfall — a perspective I wasn’t expecting. It made everything feel surreal, like being inside a painting.
We had chosen Route C, an 8 km trail that winds past boardwalks, waterfalls, lakes, and cliff views. The walk itself was serene and rhythmic. We passed many fellow travelers, including families with toddlers and even dogs trotting along like seasoned hikers. At times, we asked people to take our photos and returned the favor. One of my favorite moments was standing on a wooden path over a crystal-clear lake, looking down at a quiet school of fish just drifting beneath our feet. Nature was on full display — calm, elegant, and rich in detail.
There was one hiccup. Somewhere along the way, Dipsi dropped my sunglasses and lens cap into the water. It was an accident, but I could tell she felt deeply guilty. I did my best to let it go. Gave her a soft scolding — more like a reminder to be careful — and then moved on. There's no point clinging to little losses when you’re surrounded by something this beautiful. I didn’t want the mistake to cloud the experience, and honestly, it didn’t. We both bounced back.
The hike took about 4 hours. Toward the end, we rode the shuttle bus back to the entrance — a slow ride, but a nice break for tired feet. We grabbed a quick burger and washed up before heading back to the car. The drive home was slow and quiet — the kind of return journey where you just let the music play and reflect on what you’ve just experienced.
Back in Zadar, the evening had a spark of magic. The Old Town was alive: music playing from corners, people browsing through flea markets, languages dancing in the air, and the smell of food mingling with history. We walked slowly, soaking it all in, and ended the night with gelato in hand, tracing the cobbled streets and just letting the day settle in.
🏛️ Day 4 – Šibenik's White Walls, A Rainy Pass Through Trogir & Arrival in Split
We started the morning by leaving Zadar behind and driving south toward our next base: Split. But we weren't in a rush. The plan was to take it slow, stopping in Šibenik and possibly Trogir along the way.
When we reached Šibenik, the first steps into the Old Town made us pause. The entry street didn't feel like a typical walkway — it felt like walking into a massive white-walled house. The cobbled ground was gleaming, smooth, and white. It reflected the soft sun and the coolness of the morning breeze. It was almost surreal — like being inside a movie set. The streets were lined with artwork created by children, hung proudly along the walls. Every turn led to another surprise: a hanging canvas, a cluster of colors, or a whimsical doodle. It added charm to the city’s already historic face.
We strolled slowly through the alleys, soaking it all in, clicking photos against those clean white stones and colorful artwork. Eventually, we reached Šibenik Cathedral — a landmark we had heard about and finally stood before. It was majestic in a very humble, coastal town kind of way. No grand entrance or flashy dome — just the weight of history carried in white stone and stillness.
Lunch was split between two places (quite literally). At Pa' Kai, I tried arancini for the first time — crunchy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside. Then, still slightly hungry (and always curious), we moved to Kavana Medulić, where we had truffle gnocchi. Both meals were satisfying in different ways: one playful, the other rich and indulgent.
With our stomachs full and our steps slowing, we made our way back to the car. The next planned stop was Trogir, but as soon as we arrived, the skies opened up. The rain came down quickly and without mercy. We took a brief pause at a petrol pump, reconsidered our plans, and decided to skip exploring Trogir this time.
Split appeared on the horizon soon after — and honestly, first impressions weren’t great. It felt industrial, especially when compared to the cozy coastal charm of Zadar or the fairytale feeling of Šibenik. Dipsi even remarked that it felt “meh.” The Airbnb was in an old apartment block, a little rough from the outside, but surprisingly comfortable once we got inside.
We unpacked, rested, and later wandered a bit around our new neighborhood. The evening was reserved for a dose of mindless comfort — a Bollywood movie called Break Ke Baad. It was a spontaneous pick, the kind of movie you don’t expect much from but end up enjoying. Dipsi fell asleep halfway through (predictably), while I stayed up to watch it till the end. A light, feel-good way to close out a day that gave us art, food, and a new city to warm up to.
🏙️ Day 5 – Lazy Mornings, Local Legends & Sunset on Split’s Promenade
After days of exploring, hiking, and road tripping, we let ourselves sleep in. We got moving slowly, had a relaxed breakfast, and headed out for a low-key afternoon in Split — with no alarms, no pressure, and no rush.
Split Old Town in the afternoon was warm and buzzing. The white stone streets reflected the sun, and the air smelled of the sea mixed with the faint aroma of grilled food from nearby cafés. We wandered through narrow alleyways, sometimes pausing to admire an old shuttered window or a hanging flower basket. It was the kind of day where you don’t chase landmarks — you let the city reveal itself.
We stopped for lunch at Sanctuary, a local spot known for its vegetarian options. The service was slow (island time, maybe?), but the food was worth the wait — flavorful, filling, and exactly what we needed. After lunch, we tried gelato at Emilia, but honestly, it didn’t live up to the hype. Fortunately, Haagen-Dazs came to the rescue with a perfect mango scoop that hit the spot.
Our main plan for the day was a walking tour scheduled for the evening. The tour started at 5:30 PM in the heart of Old Town. Our guide was fantastic — enthusiastic, well-informed, and full of stories. She brought the stone streets to life with historical nuggets and modern insights.
One of the most memorable parts of the tour was learning about how tourism has transformed Croatia over the last 15 years. The guide spoke about the post-war rebuilding period, how the country leaned into sustainable tourism, and how it impacted the local economy. She also shared a fascinating cultural insight: historically, men were given land in the mountains because it was fertile, while women inherited land near the sea — once considered useless. Fast-forward to today, and the seaside properties are now the most valuable. As she said with a smile, “Women may have lost in agriculture, but they won in real estate.”
As the sun began to set, we walked along the Split promenade. The temperature dropped just enough for the breeze to feel soothing. Locals and tourists strolled side by side, kids played by the fountains, and musicians strummed near the harbor. It was peaceful, yet full of life.
Dinner was a quick bite of pasta, and since we had liked Sanctuary earlier, we returned there for a light second round. We ended the evening with a leisurely walk back home, posting stories, sorting photos, and simply soaking in the fact that we were halfway through a journey we already didn’t want to end.
🏝️ Day 6 – Three Islands, Surreal Views & Lavender Breezes
We were up before sunrise for a full-day island-hopping tour we had booked through GetYourGuide. The day promised three islands: Pakleni, Hvar, and Brač — and it turned out to be one of the most stunning parts of our trip.
After a bit of a scramble (including a light jog to the meeting point), we made it just in time to board a catamaran. The group was a fun mix — young travelers with energy and curiosity, couples, and a few middle-aged folks who clearly had been around enough to enjoy every moment without needing to photograph it. The vibe was light, happy, and full of positive energy.
Our first stop was off the coast of the Pakleni Islands. The boat didn’t dock — instead, it dropped anchor and we were free to jump into the sea. At first touch, the water felt ice-cold — a jolt to the senses. But once in, it was invigorating. Crystal-clear and calm, the kind of water where you can see all the way to the bottom. I floated for a while, taking in the silence, the blue beneath me, and the white sails bobbing in the distance. The swim wasn’t long, but it was memorable — one of those “I’ll never forget how this felt” moments.
From there, we made our way to Hvar. We had two hours on the island, and we decided to head straight for the fortress that overlooks the harbor. The climb took about ten minutes, past stone stairs and colorful shops selling lavender everything. By the time we reached the top, the view left us breathless — not just from the hike, but from the sheer surreal beauty of it. The terracotta rooftops of Hvar Town below, the curve of the marina, and the endless turquoise sea behind it — it felt like a postcard come to life. I stayed up there for a while, just staring out, not saying much. There wasn’t anything to say.
On the way back down, we grabbed a slice of pizza and a cup of lavender tea, more out of curiosity than thirst. Honestly, it tasted like regular tea — but it felt right. A small Hvar ritual.
Our third stop was Milna on Brač, a sleepy harbor town with a surprisingly fancy beach resort. We had access to a private area with sunbeds, a swimming pool, and a tree-shaded lounge space. It was the perfect place to unwind after a packed first half of the day. I swam again, relaxed, and let the afternoon breeze do its thing.
By 6 PM, we were back in Split. Tired in the best way possible. We returned to the Airbnb for a short rest, freshened up, and then headed out again for dinner. This time we craved something familiar — we found ourselves at the only Indian restaurant in town, where the spices and warmth felt like home in a foreign land.
The whole day had a glow to it. From the swim in Pakleni to the view from Hvar Fortress, it was a full chapter of color, water, and wonder.
🏰 Day 7 – Split to Dubrovnik: From Coastal Roads to Walled Cities
We left Split late morning, fueled up the car, and pointed our trusty Dacia Duster toward our final base in Croatia: Dubrovnik. The drive south along the coastline was, once again, stunning — curves hugging the cliffs, sea views that never got old, and that sense of freedom only a road trip can give. I found myself loving the drive more with every kilometer.
About halfway down the route, we pulled over near a cluster of local roadside stalls. There were friendly farmers selling fresh cherries, honey, and wine, tucked beside small vineyards that sloped down toward the water. One of the stall owners let us taste a few varieties of fruit before we picked our favorites. Simple, honest interactions like that are what make road travel feel human and wholesome.
We had planned to stop at Ston — a medieval town known for its ancient salt pans and fortress wall — but we missed the highway exit. No big deal. The sky was already turning gray, and Dubrovnik was waiting.
As we approached Dubrovnik, the city greeted us with a certain grandeur — even in the rain. The first impression was strong: tall hills, clustered red rooftops, and an almost cinematic presence as we descended toward the sea. It felt regal, historic, and powerful.
Parking near the Old Town, however, came with a steep welcome — €7 per hour, and we didn’t have many options in the rain. We took the hit and parked temporarily near the city gate. Lunch at Incredible India gave us comfort food and a warm break from the drizzle.
After refueling ourselves, we decided to move the car to a free parking spot found through Reddit. To our surprise, it was actually easy to find — right in front of a fuel station, spacious, and blessedly legal. We took a taxi back to the Old Town just in time for our 8 PM walking tour.
The tour opened up the pages of Dubrovnik’s rich history. What stood out most was how the city managed to remain independent for centuries using pure diplomacy. No wars, no invasions — just tactful negotiation, clever politics, and gold. It was a refreshing break from the typical tales of conquest.
As the tour wrapped up, we hopped back in the car and drove about 20 minutes to our stay — which, fun twist, was technically in Bosnia and Herzegovina. We passed through a border checkpoint, got our passports stamped, and made our way to a quiet little guesthouse tucked just over the line. It wasn’t fancy, but it had a bed and a roof — all we needed at the end of a full day.
From the vineyards to the city walls, Dubrovnik made a powerful entrance. And with one more full day left, we were just getting started.
🌇 Day 8 – Churches, Souvenirs & A Sunset Above the City
We let the morning pass slowly. No alarms, no itineraries — just the freedom to wake when our bodies were ready. After breakfast, we made our way into Dubrovnik’s Old Town once again, this time with no rush, just a quiet plan to wander, discover, and enjoy the city on our own terms.
We started by visiting a few of the historic churches tucked inside the walls. Compared to the grand cathedrals of other European cities, these were simpler, more modest. Still, they carried a distinct sense of age and reverence — like they had seen everything the city had endured and still stood quietly watching.
From there, we turned toward souvenir shops, browsing through handcrafted trinkets, prints, and shelves of lavender-infused everything. One painting caught our eye — an oil painting, vivid and colorful, something we immediately knew we wanted to hang on our wall back home. Along with it, we picked up a few classic Croatian magnets — small anchors of memory to take with us.
By afternoon, we sat down at Soul Kitchen for lunch. We ordered curry and bread, and while the food felt familiar and comforting, the presentation and ambiance gave it a modern, almost fancy touch. It was one of those meals that reminded us how even something simple, when done thoughtfully, can feel elevated.
Post-lunch, we walked the Old Town a bit more, picked up some gelato, and headed to Incredible India for chai. Sitting there, sipping warm tea in the middle of a Croatian town, felt like a funny but beautiful intersection of our worlds.
As golden hour approached, we headed toward a hilltop viewpoint I had found on Google Maps. The drive was steep and winding — not easy — but I’d done things like this before, and I was confident. And once we reached the top, it was completely worth it. The view of Dubrovnik from above was unreal. The red rooftops, the fortified walls, the Adriatic Sea fading into the horizon — it looked like we were viewing the city from an airplane window. The sun began to set, slowly coating everything in amber light, and for a few minutes, we just stood there in silence, holding the moment.
We ended our night with a celebratory dinner at Urban & Veggie, one of the best vegetarian restaurants we’d found in all of Croatia. We ordered Pad Thai, Gung Bao, a fresh Ironman juice, and topped it all off with Rosata, a Croatian dessert. The place was buzzing, especially thanks to a lively Gujarati crowd nearby — hearing familiar language and laughter after so many days of foreign streets felt oddly comforting. The staff was warm, the food was fantastic, and the vibe was the perfect balance of homely and joyful.
And with that, our final full day in Croatia came to a close. No drama, no rush — just views, flavors, and slow moments stitched into memory.
✈️ Day 9 – From Dubrovnik to Home: A Soft Landing
Our last morning in Croatia began without fanfare. We got ready, packed up our things, and said goodbye to our cozy (if modest) stay just across the border in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The drive back to Dubrovnik Airport was smooth, and returning the Dacia Duster — our companion across 1,000+ kilometers of Croatian coastline — was surprisingly easy. I even received the invoice before boarding, and thankfully, there were no nasty surprises.
At the airport, we breezed through security, found our gate, and settled into that quiet travel headspace — part gratitude, part fatigue, part anticipation of home. I passed the time doing something I hadn’t expected: reading about Greek mythology. It was one of those interests that had been swirling in my head during the trip, so I leaned into it. The flight itself was short and calm. I dozed for a while, read a little, and spent some time chatting with Dipsi about everything we had seen, eaten, and felt over the past week.
Once we landed back in Sweden, we grabbed a quick lunch-dinner, called our hotel for the airport shuttle, and checked in one last time before the final leg of our return journey. We were tired, but it was the good kind — the kind that comes from having lived fully for several days, from roads and rivers and ruins and all the quiet moments in between.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Croatia gave us cliffs, coastlines, clarity, and closeness.
From ferry rides to fortress climbs — every step told a story.
Travel light. Pack wisely. Always chase the sunset.
